Numbness In The Headaccording to TCM

What is Numbness in the Head?

Numbness in the head, a sensation where one experiences a lack of normal feeling in the scalp or skull region, can manifest as tingling, pins-and-needles, or a loss of sensation altogether. This symptom may be transient or persistent, and while it can be unsettling, it's often a sign of an underlying condition rather than a disorder in its own right.

How does TCM view Numbness in the Head?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives numbness in the head not as a solitary concern but as a manifestation of a deeper imbalance within the body’s energy, or Qi.

TCM considers such sensory anomalies as indicators that vital pathways, or meridians, are obstructed. Determining the specific pattern of disharmony, whether it's a blockage, Deficiency, or an Excess, is essential. Treatment aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, thereby alleviating numbness.

Acupoints for Numbness In The Head

TCM recommends specific acupoints for addressing numbness in the head. The Taichong LIV-3 point on the Liver channel is one such acupoint, located on the dorsum of the foot between the first and second metatarsal bones. It's known for its ability to subdue Liver Yang and clear what TCM terms as Interior Wind, which can contribute to head numbness.

Additionally, it is said to invigorate Liver Qi and Blood, crucial for maintaining the head's sensory functions. By stimulating LIV-3, TCM practitioners aim to relieve numbness and restore a balanced state of health.

See more details below about Taichong LIV-3, an acupoint used to address numbness in the head.

Taichong LIV-3

On the dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints and the proximal angle between the two bones.